Gujarat Technological University

Master of Business Administration

Handbook
Of
COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT (CP)
(Applicable from Academic Year 2018-19 onwards)

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 Contents
Page
Sr. No. Topic
No.

1 Introduction: Comprehensive Project (CP) 3

2 Objectives: Comprehensive Project (CP) 3

Guidelines regarding contents and flow of the project – What is to be

3 4
done

4 Criteria for evaluation of CP 5

5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for CP 5-7

6 Annexure I: Parameters for Evaluation 8

7 Annexure II: Format for Report Submission 9-12

8 Annexure III: Formatting Specification 13

9 Annexure IV:: Role of Director, Faculty Members & Students 14

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 GUJARAT TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, AHMEDABAD
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)
GUIDELINES FOR COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT (CP)

1. INTRODUCTION:

The students will have to undergo Comprehensive Project during the Fourth Semester, and
submit a “Comprehensive Project Report” by the end of the semester.

Comprehensive Project (CP) is an integral part of the academic curriculum of MBA. For the
successful completion of the MBA programme, students are required to undergo CP as per the
prescribed format and duration. The CP is supposed to be an extensive piece of professional
work wherein the students provide specific expertise in their field of specialization. Students
can choose to undertake the project either with an organization or can carry out a project
independently.

2. OBJECTIVES:
 CP aims at widening the student's perspective by providing an exposure to real life
organizational environment and its various functional activities.

 CP aims to enable the students to explore an industry/organization, build a relationship

with a prospective employer, or simply hone their skills in a familiar field.

 CP also provides invaluable knowledge and networking experience to the students.

 Some ideal projects for CP can be in the areas of strategy formulation, business process
reengineering, MIS, ERP implementation, HR functions, retail/investment banking, industry
analysis, new product launches, sales and distribution, market research and advertising,
etc., among others. However, this is not an exhaustive list of areas but can be varied to suit
the requirements of the organizations where the student has to undergo the project, or the
domain area in which the student is carrying out an independent project. In some cases,
even field work can also become an integral part of CP. The student need not shy away from
taking up such projects.

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 An additional benefit that organizations may derive is the unique opportunity to evaluate
the student from a long-term perspective. Thus the CP can become a gateway for final
placement of the student.

 The student should ensure that the data and other information used in the study report are
obtained with the permission of the institution concerned. The students should also behave
ethically and honestly with the organization.

3. WHAT IS TO BE DONE?

 The student has to undertake project individually or in a pair of two students. CP Report is
to be submitted by every individual student / pair of students.

 How many students are allowed to undertake the project in the same organization?

There is no limit on the number of students undertaking the CP in an organization. It shall

be the Institute’s prerogative to maintain the standards of a CP project through the
selection and guidance of distinct, relevant and genuine projects for the students.

 If the CP is undertaken at an organization, the CP process involves working under the

mentorship of an executive of the concerned organization and also with a faculty member
of the institute where the student is studying. The student is expected to first understand
the organization and its setting and the industry/field in which the organization is operating.
Thereafter, the student is expected to concentrate on the specific topic of study, its
objectives, its rationale, and adopt a methodology and identify a suitable analysis procedure
for the completion of the study. Wherever possible the student may provide
recommendations and action plans, along with the findings of the study.
 If the CP is undertaken independently, the student should identify a highly relevant topic in
his/her domain area of specialization. He/she can then carry out a research-intensive
project pertaining to the selected topic.

 Thereafter, the student should prepare a report and submit one copy to the organization
and one copy to the institute. Students may submit hard copy or soft copy of report to the
organization / institute as per their requirement. The student may also obtain a certificate
from the organization/s where the CP was done and attach the same with the copy
submitted to the institute. (Sample format of Certificate is attached in Annexure II). It is
compulsory to attach the Institute Certificate in all reports.
 The university will arrange the external viva - voce for CP. The student is expected to make a
15 – 20 minutes presentation before the examiner regarding the CP project work
undertaken, which will be followed by questions by the examiner.
 Plagiarism of CP report should be less than 30%.

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 Institute’s CP Coordinator (Faculty Member) has to submit the report to E-library portal of
GTU as and when asked by the University.

4. CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF CP

The total marks for the CP project will be 200 and it carries 6 credits. The marks will be
awarded in proportion of 70:30 by external and internal examiners respectively.
Internal Viva: The institute has to conduct internal viva at institute level where internal
faculty guide will give marks out of 60 to each student appearing for Viva in consultation with
an external person(s) called from industry. (Guidelines for industry person: Preferably a
person of senior managerial level and at least having industry experience of 5 years)
External Viva: External examiner shall be appointed by Gujarat Technological University. He /
she will give marks out of 140 on the basis of parameters given in Annexure I.

At the end of the viva, the External Examiner has to ensure that the marks given in the hard
copy of the mark sheet are entered in the online mark entry portal of GTU by himself / herself
before leaving the exam center.

5. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):

Sr. Frequently Asked Answers of FAQs
No. Questions
1 What is the duration of CP has to be undertaken during the fourth semester.
CP?
2 How many students are There is no limit on the number of students who can
allowed in one undertake the project in one organization.
company/organization?
3 How many students can The CP can be undertaken either individually or in a pair. In
work together? no case shall more than two students be allowed to work
together. Both students should belong to the same
specialization.
4 What should be the The students should undertake a project which explores
nature of the project? particular dimensions or domains in their respective areas of
specialization. The project should involve a detailed and
systematic research process, and should also incorporate
qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis
through statistical testing. Students should base their
methodology on intensive, relevant and appropriate review
of literature.
5 What are the credits CP carries 6 credits and of 200 marks.
and marks of CP?

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6 Is it compulsory for Yes, it is compulsory for each institute to allocate internal
student to work under faculty to each student. These internal faculty will act as an
the guidance of Internal internal guide for CP.
(Institute) faculty
7 What is the proportion The proportion is 30:70. Out of total marks of 200 the
of Internal and External internal examiner has to give marks out of 60 and the
marks in CP? external examiner has to give marks out of 140.
8 Is it compulsory for the Yes, it is mandatory for all the institutes to organize internal
institutes to organize CP viva for their students. The internal evaluation carries 60
internal VIVA atmarks. Internal VIVA must be conducted before the
institute beforeUniversity external viva so students may make corrections (if
University CP VIVA? any) as per the suggestions by the internal guide.
9 Is it required to attach For those students who have undertaken the CP in an
company Certificate in organization, it is desirable to attach the company
the project report? certificate in the project report. But it is compulsory to
attach the Institute’s certificate, certifying the genuineness
of the work done by the student.
For those students who have carried out the CP
independently, it is compulsory to attach their Institute’s
certificate, certifying the genuineness of the work done by
the student.
10 Is it required to attach Yes, it is required for all the students to attach institute
institute certificate in certificate in the project report. The institute certificate must
the project report? be signed by internal faculty and counter signed by
Principal/Director of the institute.
11 How much plagiarism/ Upto 30% plagiarism is allowed in the CP reports.
similarity is allowed in
the CP report?
12 If plagiarism is above If plagiarism is above 30% the said report is not accepted
30%, what should be for CP VIVA. It is the responsibility of the internal guide to
done? check the plagiarism level and in any case if it is found that
the plagiarism percentage is above 30, re-work should be
given to student. Such students are not allowed to appear in
the external viva examination of CP.
13 Is it compulsory to Yes, it is compulsory for all the students to attach plagiarism
attach Plagiarism report in the CP report.
report?
14 Which plagiarism The licensed software must be used to check plagiarism.
software should be Open source and free software are not allowed. If university
used? is providing licensed software to institute, it is compulsory
for all institutes to use the same software to check the
plagiarism.
15 What are the passing The passing criteria of CP are same like other subjects of

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 criteria in CP? MBA course.
16 How many copies of It is compulsory for each student to bring one hard copy
project report are (spiral binding) of project at the time of University CP viva.
required to submit? Students are not required to submit hard copy at University.
In case if institutes require then they may ask for hard copy
submission. The submission of project report is required as
under.
For University: Soft Copy [The institute coordinator has to
submit soft copy (in pdf format) of all the projects through
online portal]
For Institute: One Soft/ Hard Copy (as per the requirement
of institute)
For Student: One Hard copy (compulsory requirement) The
same hard copy of project has to bring during External Viva
For Company/Organization: Soft /Hard Copy (as per
requirement of Company)

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 Annexure I

6. PARAMETERS FOR EVALUATION:

The marks will be awarded on the following aspects:

i) Introduction of problem/topic: Clear understanding of the topic/subject; conceptual /

theoretical framework of selected topic (if any).

ii) Literature Review: Published studies, review of similar studies, objectives, formulation of the
problem, scope, and rationale of the study.

iii) Methods / Methodology adopted for the study: Survey, Field Work, Interview, Observation,
etc. methods with appropriate justification and reasoning.

iv) Analysis and conclusions: The logic of analysis, source of data, whether the conclusions are
in line with the objectives, etc.

v) Presentation of the report, format of the report, flow of the report, style, language, etc.

vi) Performance during VIVA: Substance and treatment of the topic, style of presentation,
Performance in the question answer session, time management, language, etc.

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 Annexure II
7. FORMAT FOR REPORT SUBMISSION:

< First Page/Title Page >

COMPREHENSIVE Project Report
On
‘<Title of Project>’
At
<Name of Company / Organization> (If applicable)

Submitted to
Institute Code: 123
Institute Name: (In Full)

Under the Guidance of

Name of Faculty
(Designation)

In partial Fulfilment of the Requirement of the award of the degree of

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Offered By
Gujarat Technological University
Ahmedabad

Prepared by:
<Name of Student>
< Enrolment No.>
MBA (Semester - IV)
Month & Year:
April 2019

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 <Second Page>

Student(s)’s Declaration

(On separate page)

I hereby declare that the COMPREHENSIVE Project Report titled

“________________________________________________________in (Name of
the Company / Organization) is a result of my/our own work and my/our
indebtedness to other work publications, references, if any, has/have been duly
acknowledged. If I/we am/are found guilty of copying from any other report or
published information and showing as my/our original work, or extending
plagiarism limit, I/we understand that I/we shall be liable and punishable by the
university, which may include ‘Fail’ in examination or any other punishment that
university may decide.

Enrollment no. Name Signature

Place: …….. Date: ……..

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 <Third Page>
Date: __/__/____

Institute Certificate<on Institute’s Letterhead>

[Please attach signed copy of this certificate in the report]

“This is to Certify that this COMPREHENSIVE Project Report Titled

“……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….” is
the bonafide work of <Name of Student (Enrolment No.)>, who has/have carried
out his / her / their project under my supervision. I also certify further, that to the
best of my knowledge the work reported herein does not form part of any other
project report or dissertation on the basis of which a degree or award was
conferred on an earlier occasion on this or any other candidate. I have also
checked the plagiarism extent of this report which is ……… % and it is below the
prescribed limit of 30%. The separate plagiarism report in the form of html /pdf
file is enclosed with this.

Rating of Project Report [A/B/C/D/E]: ______

(A=Excellent; B=Good; C=Average; D=Poor; E=Worst)
(By Faculty Guide)

Signature of the Faculty Guide/s

(Name and Designation of Guide/s)

Signature of Principal/Director with Stamp of Institute

(Name of Principal / Director)

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 < Fourth Page>
Date: __/__/____
Company / Organization Certificate<on Company’s Letterhead >

To whomsoever it may concern

This is to certify that <Name of Student (Enrolment No.)>of<Name of Institute

(Institute Code) > has successfully completed COMPREHENSIVE Project Report
titled “…………………………………………………………………..…………………………….” at <Name
of Company with location >.

<Fifth Page>
Plagiarism Report (Digital Receipt & Similarity Percentage Page)

____________________________________________________________
PREFACE (SEPARATE PAGE)

_________________________________________________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (SEPARATE PAGE)

____________________________________________________
SUBJECT INDEX (SEPARATE PAGE)

______________________________________
FULL REPORT

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 Annexure III

8. FORMATTING SPECIFICATIONS FOR REPORTS:

- Word format
- Font size: 12 for Regular text, 14 for Subtitles and 16 for titles
- Font Type: Times New Roman
- Line Spacing: 1.5
- Margin : 1.5 inch to Left and 1 inch to all other sides
- Page Type: A4
- Alignment: Justified
- Column Specification: One
- Printing of Report: Both sides of paper
- Binding of Report: Spiral Binding
- Number of hard Copies: One hard copy (Student has to bring one hard copy at the time
of External CP viva. Student has to take back the hard copy of report, once the viva-voce
is over.)
- The WORD file may be converted to pdf format for online submission.

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 Annexure IV
9. ROLE OF DIRECTOR, FACULTY MEMBERS & STUDENTS
ROLE OF DIRECTOR/ PRINCIPAL / HOD:
 Considering the CP as an important project for MBA students
 Ensuring the regular visit of students at selected company for training & project.
 Providing the facility for completing project work in terms of library, computer lab,
journals, company visit etc.
 Organize timely internal Viva – Voce for all the students

ROLE OF CP COORDINATOR / FACULTY GUIDE:

 Allocating students to each faculty members (Max. 15 students per faculty)
 Providing the guidance to students before sending them to companies.
 Helping the students to understand the importance of CP.
 Inviting the experts from companies who are providing training to students.
 Encouraging and guiding students to prepare good quality report.
 Monitoring CP progress report of students.
 Taking regular feedback from Company Mentor regarding the progress and involvement
of the student during CP
 Each Faculty Guide has to ensure that all the students have to fulfill all the criteria i.e.
Meeting the deadlines for submission as per guidelines, checking the plagiarism, signing
the report and approving the same, conducting internal Viva-Voce, etc.
 Sharing learning experiences and success stories of CP project at mba@gtu.edu.in

ROLE OF STUDENTS:
 Preparing the Project as per guidance from institute faculty guide and company mentor
(if any) and submit the same with in time limit.
 Trying to explore the company to be expert in your area.
 Developing presentation skills for grabbing the job opportunity.
 Preparing the good quality report individually as per the guidelines given in CP
Handbook.

ALL THE BEST

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